Washoe Lake State Park

Campground Details

Open: Open all year Number of Sites: 49Tents Allowed: YesDogs Allowed: Yes

Washoe Lake and Little Washoe Lakes are located in the heart of scenic Washoe Valley, between Carson City and Reno. Here, visitors will find spectacular views of the majestic Sierra Nevada and the Carson Range. Popular activities in the park include nature study, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, windsurfing, water skiing, catamaran sailing, jet skiing and fishing. A campground, boat launches, group use area, day-use picnic sites and equestrian trailhead are available. A wetlands area with a viewing tower and interpretive displays is a new addition to the park. The park is located 10 miles north of Carson City and 15 miles south of Reno. Take U.S. 395 north to the East Lake Boulevard exit, than drive north on East Lake Boulevard approximately 3.1 miles to the park entrance. From Reno, take 395 south to the East Lake Boulevard intersection, turn left, and drive south on East Lake Boulevard for 7.1 miles to the park entrance.

User fees are required at all times for any use of the park. Separate fees are collected for entrance, boating, camping, and group use and are due upon entrance to the park. Current fees are posted at the park entrance.

Day Use areas are located at the Wetlands, South Beach, Main, North Ramp, and Little Washoe. All areas have comfort stations. Developed picnic sites are found at all but the Wetlands. The Main area is by far the largest with lawns, sandy beach areas, and shade trees.

Camping is permitted only at the Main Area Campground. 49 sites, each with a table, grill, and fire ring, are open year round and available on a first come first serve basis. Some sites are equipped with shade structures. Two comfort stations with showers are available. Several sites can hold RV's up to 45 feet in length. Sorry, no hookups. A dump station is available. Camping limit is 7 days in a 30-day period

Equestrian Areas are found at the Main Area and North Ramp. The Main Area facility includes restrooms and a covered barbeque area with tables, grill, sink, counter space, power, water and lighting. Camping is permitted for both tents and RV's with large parking areas for easy horse trailer access. Area can be reserved for groups up to 200. The North Ramp facility is day use only and provides parking, water, and picnic tables.

A Group Area near the Main Day use Area and Boat Launch, can be reserved for both day and overnight use. Facilities include a covered pavilion, restrooms, 20 picnic tables, BBQ grills, power, lighting, sink, counters, a sandy volleyball court and horseshoe pits.

Boat Launching Ramps and Docks can be found in the Main Day Use Area and at North Ramp. Boat trailer parking sites are provided. No direct boating access is available at Little Washoe and use by motorized craft is not recommended

Trails are available throughout the park, for motorized and non-motorized uses. Non-motorized trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders. Motorized trails are limited to the Virginia Range east of the park. Maps are available at the park office and information kiosks throughout the park.

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Campground Reviews

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Easy get away.

Even though this campground is located near populated areas, it feels more like open space when you stay here. The views of the back side of the Sierras are impressive. And there is a fair amount of wildlife in the area (the coyote serenade was quite pleasant). We were there in winter, so really appreciate that the bathrooms are heated. I think this park has recently been updated. All of the sites now have shade structures over the tables. And the tables are set on leveled areas as well. And all sites had paved parking aprons. Even the asphalt looked ...